Nashik pharmacists to join nationwide stir tomorrow

Nashik: The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists called for a nationwide medicine sales strike on Wednesday, with support from the Maharashtra State Chemists and Druggists Association and the Nashik District Chemists and Druggists Association.

President Nitin Devargaonkar of the Nashik District Chemists and Druggists Association said, “The medicine business was run under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rule 1945. There was no provision about online medicine sales then. The special exemption given for home delivery of medicines during the COVID-19 period had not been cancelled by govt even after five years.”





He added that online and corporate companies were taking undue advantage of this and causing trouble for small businessmen by offering unreasonable discounts. “As a result, business of 12.5 lakh medicine sellers in the country is in danger.”

There are 8,000 chemists and druggists in the district apart from another 1,200 whole sellers.

Joint commissioner (Drugs), Food and Drug Administration, Nashik division A. T. Burde said through a press release that residents must maintain peace by making advance arrangements for necessary medicines and medical supplies.

Due to this shutdown, many medicine shops in the city and district are likely to remain closed. However, govt hospitals, emergency medical services, as well as some select medicine shops, may remain open.

“Licenses have been granted to medicine shopkeepers subject to the terms and conditions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940. Ensuring the timely availability of medicines to patients is the main objective behind it, and it is necessary to ensure that an artificial shortage of medicines is not created during the strike. The administration will enforce the Drugs and Cosmetics Act as well as other applicable laws and orders. Hence, all chemist brothers should not participate in the shutdown,” appealed Burde.